Matthew Willman’s first autobiographical book does not fail to impress. Matthew has previously published a number of photographic compilations accompanied by insightful commentary. Here for the first time he opens up about his private world. This book will leave you laughing whilst scratching your head and wondering how on earth it all occurred.

‘Tripping over Presidents’ is the remarkable true story of a young man facing the challenges of making a photographic career for himself. With spirited determination, Willman set out to discover both himself and others and to ‘participate in the world’. In the process, he had the privilege of meeting and interacting with many great leaders, musicians and artists, as well as those on the periphery of society. Willman’s single-minded determination to shake the hand of Nelson Mandela started him on a journey few could ever have imagined.

Matthew Willman is a photographer, storyteller, documentarian and unconventional adventurer. His quest to break down the barriers which define our stereotypes, stigma’s, protocols and views of authority, have afforded him many incredible opportunities to not only photograph but engage with the world.

This book is an opportunity to share some of those stories. It may leave you wanting to hear more. It will definitely inspire you to follow your dreams and begin your own exploration of the adventure we call ‘life’.

The extraordinary life and legacy of Nelson Mandela defined an era in South Africa’s history. For nine years Matthew Willman relentlessly pursued his dream to shake the hand of Nelson Mandela. That journey opened the door for Willman to work as a commissioned photographer to the Nelson Mandela Foundation for a further 10 years. Contracted to archive and document the life and times of Nelson Mandela through photography, Willman amassed a collection of unique and definitive images.

This soft covered book is a photographic journey from Mandela’s humble beginnings, through his struggle to achieve freedom for all South Africans to his post presidential years, serving causes close to his heart. Willman shares some of the most intimate images ever captured of Nelson Mandela’s life. It is a celebration, a testament to the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.